Friday Fulham Stuff (02/07/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203413
Hughes & Sven In The Frame For Fulham Job
Following Roy Hodgson's appointment at Liverpool earlier today former Manchester City bosses, Mark Hughes and Sven Goran Eriksson appear to be in the frame to take the helm at Fulham FC.

Betting odds

Sparky is currently 3/1 while another former City manager, Sven Goran Eriksson, who has already said that he would relish an opportunity to return to the Premier League, is 100/30.

Both Hughes and Sven will have stiff competition from another unemployed manager in Alan Curbishley, who is odds on favourite at 11/4.

Sky Bet's football betting spokesman Tim Reynolds said...

'Curbishley has been linked with a number of vacant roles since he left West Ham but this seems the perfect opportunity to return to top flight management.'

Competition is going to be fierce but my money is on the Swede taking the helm. It appears he has the Midas touch and money seems to follow him around wherever he goes. The luck of the devil perhaps!


Read more: http://www.manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203413#ixzz0sVQVKORZ

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/dempsey_dream_reds_move_being_lined_up_534447/index.shtml
Dempsey Dream Reds Move Being Lined Up

Clint Dempsey is being lined up for a dream move to Liverpool.

The Sun report that USA World Cup star Dempsey is rated at around £7m.

New Reds boss Roy Hodgson is a huge fan of the attacking midfielder's work ethic and professionalism.

Dempsey is already being flooded by sponsorship and endorsement offers in the 'States after the USA's successful World Cup campaign and a move to Liverpool will only add to his growing status in his home country.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203426
Fulham - Davies on Hodgson!
We`ve no doubt the fact that Roy Hodgson is leaving to manage Liverpool will be greeted as sad news by the players at Craven Cottage.

Since taking over from Lawrie Sanchez the club is now unrecognizable to the shambolic outfit that was staffed with Championship class players and heading through the relegation trapdoor to the Coca Cola League.

We expect many of the playing staff to step forward over the next few days to wax lyrical about what Ro meant to them and what was so unique about his management style.

One of the first to do so is Simon Davies who has stepped forward and offered the following to the media about Roy`s style,

"Every day in training is geared towards team shape for the match-day coming up. Nothing else."

"I don`t want to give any secrets away, but he gets the 11 he wants to start on a match-day and drills in everything he wants."

"It`s certain defensive drills, certain attacking drills."

"We`ve had a little laugh about it now and again, but when the manager came in we were fighting relegation and we ended in the Europa league - so you take it."

"It`s nice to know what you work hard on works so well."

It`s time for those stiff upper lips down at the Cottage, trying times await I fear!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203426#ixzz0sVREmQDC

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203425
Fulham - Murphy to Take Over?
Sven Goran Eriksson has denied that he`s received any approach from Fulham, Mark Hughes is linked with a move to Arabia, so who is in line to replace the departing Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage?

Some sources are suggesting that Fulham might make a bold move and appoint Danny Murphy, with the midfielder being assisted by Ray Lewington and an, as yet, unknown third person.

It is a move that Fulham did when Chris Coleman was given the managers role. Coleman was untried but went on to do a more than reasonable job.

Apparently, Murphy is already doing his coaching badges and has been tipped by Roy Hodgson to make a decent manager.

In fact there appear sot be a mutual bond of respect between Hodgson and Murphy with Danny having this to say about Roy, pending his departure to Liverpool,

"Liverpool need someone who has an understanding of the history and heritage that lies behind the club and what it means in the context of English football."

"People spoke about Mourinho, but I personally didn`t see him as an ideal fit with Liverpool, because right now, they need someone who has an empathy for the club."

"I admire Roy Hodgson. He has a philosophy of playing good football which will fit well at Liverpool, and he gives players responsibility and a platform to work from."

"Maybe it`s time Liverpool had an English manager who knows about the club."

"Roy is a talented manager who succeeds because he works so incredibly hard."

"He instills confidence in his players, and has a style the players can enjoy. His success has been a mix of a lot of things but primarily hard work."

"He has real tactical knowledge too - in a way it has come from Roy`s Italian roots it is an Italian style."

One spanner in the works though is the possibility that Danny could, as several sources are suggesting, follow Roy to Anfield.

To lose one would be bad but to lose two, words would fail me!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203425#ixzz0sVRalkP5

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203423
Fulham - Does It Surprise You!
One of the components of our will-he - won`t he deductions relating to Roy Hodgson going to Liverpool, surrounded the possibility of Roy taking over from Fabio Capello.

All the vibes suggested that the England job would represent the pinnacle of Roy`s managerial career.

Therefore, with Capello`s tenure still uncertain, we`re a little surprised to read, in the tabloid press this morning that Roy`s contract at Anfield doesn`t contain a release clause if the England job were to become vacant.

Although perhaps it is fair to assume that the Liverpool board might be more than a little miffed to sign Roy this week only to see him leave the week after.

Now that would make me smile!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203423#ixzz0sVS85gs0

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203424
Fulham - Hangeland Raid!
The tabloids haven`t been slow to point out that one of Roy`s first tasks at Anfield will be to stop the flow of goals Liverpool tend to concede.

Last year, in the Premier League, Liverpool conceded thirty-five, and the tabloids are implying that the first move Roy will take to stem the flow is to make an approach for Brede Hangeland our colossus Norwegian centre back.

Now previously, in another article, we`d suggested that we`d hoped Roy would remain a gentleman and not take any of our stars with him. According to the tabloids this doesn`t appear to be the case.

Whether Brede will follow Roy to the north-west or not, you get the distinct feeling that the remainder of this summer could see Craven Cottage become a hive of activity!

Let the mayhem and chaos begin!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203424#ixzz0sVSNdOD7

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203422
Fulham - Carlton Cole the Target?
There are a couple of snippets of information relation to the Bobby Zamora situation dotted around the media this morning.

Although we have to say that they are a little contradictory.

The first suggests that Birmingham are not prepared to up their offer of £6 million for the striker, which is fair enough as he`ll simply stay at Craven Cottage whilst the second suggests that Fulham have already identified a replacement.

The striker named is Carlton Cole which is intriguing, not because of his talents but because of the fact that West Ham have previously insisted that Cole is worth £12 million. Now correct me if I appear more than a little stupid here but we`re not likely to get that much from Birmingham for Bobby and out of the two which one scored the most goals last season?

Anyway, with our managerial situation in limbo, who says we`re interested in Carlton Cole anyway?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203422#ixzz0sVSb2fTC

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203430
Fulham - Favourite Hodgson Moments!
December 2007 was seminal moment in our history!

Under the tenureship of Lawrie Sanchez, Fulham Football Club were not only badly under-achieving but were slipping head first into the Championship.

But cometh the hour cometh the man and those behind the scenes put together a package that saw the appointment of Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson not only, after a difficult start, managed to guarantee our Premier League survival during a nail-biting final day at Fratton Park but guided the squad to a record seventh place in the Premier League.

Last season we hit the glory trail and only fell at the final hurdle, losing to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League Final in Hamburg.

Now Roy has gone, he`s moved on to bigger, although we`d reserve judgment on it being better things, but left us with a wealth of wonderful memories.

Our current poll lists my three favourite but if any of you wish to share a different Hodgson Moment with us then please feel free to leave a comment in the appropriate space below or if you wish to offer a few paragraphs on the Hodgson years then please feel free to e-mail them to me at the following e-mail address - [email protected]


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203430#ixzz0sVStQzH7

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203428
Fulham - Pantsil Mourns Hodgson Departure!
He may only have arrived as the make-weight in the deal that brought Bobby Zamora to Craven Cottage from Upton Park but Roy Hodgson clearly saw something that looked a little more than promising.

John Pantsil, with his never-say-die attitude, has become a cult hero down by the River Thames, his robust but honest style has endeared him to the support and he is another who is mourning the loss of Roy Hodgson, having commented about the situation,

"He has been such an important person for me in my career."

"The boss has transformed my play to a certain level which, I must admit, even if I don`t understand."

"He`s been amazing to me and I can`t believe he`s going."

Nor can we John, nor can we!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203428#ixzz0sVTBC093

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203429
Fulham - Goodbye Roy and Thanks!
Well there`s no hiding behind speculation now!

Confirmation came through this morning that Roy Hodgson had signed a contract to become the new manager of Fulham.

Roy signed a three year contract and Fulham Football Club have issued the following statement,

"The club would like to wish Roy the very best for the future and thanks him for all that was achieved during his tenure."

"Ray Lewington will take temporary charge of team matters, until a successor is announced in due course."

Roy, speaking about jumping ship, had the following to say to the official Liverpool site,

"This is the biggest job in club football and I`m honoured to be taking on Britain`s most successful club."

Speculation continues as to who the new boss will be. Up on Merseyside, two members of England`s ill-fated South Africa 2010 World Cup campaign have had their say on the matter, with Jamie Carragher commenting,

"He`s got such a great reputation in the game and is one of the most experienced managers in world football."

"After this period of uncertainty, his appointment has given us all a lift."

Whilst their club captain, Steven Gerrard has remarked,

"I think it`s been worth the wait and I`m sure he`s just keen now to get on with it and start to quickly put in place his plans for the new season."

Here at Vital Fulham we`d like to thank Roy for everything he did for the club and although were pained to see him move on we`d also like to wish him every success in his new appointment, except on the two occasions next season when our paths will inevitably cross.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203429#ixzz0sVTQkh2g

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203437
The Club Is Bigger Than Hodgson!
So Roy Hodgson has left for Liverpool and loyal, reliable Ray Lewington is currently in caretaker charge.

We will soon have a new manager in place and we are bound to endure a difficult summer of speculation.

However, let's remember the most basic thing before we split off into our different groups about our opinions on Hodgson's move.

The club is bigger, more important than Hodgson.

Sure, he was probably our greatest ever manager, but let's make sure our fantastic club continues this fantastic period of success - without Hodgson.

Come on You Whites!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=203437#ixzz0sVTdVsD1

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1291212/THE-INSIDER-Roy-Hodgson-wants-Brede-Hangeland-Liverpool-Arsenal-line-Per-Mertesacker.html?
THE INSIDER: Roy Hodgson hoping Brede Hangeland follows him to Liverpool as Arsenal line up £10m Germany ace Per Mertesacker

Brede Hangeland
Fulham to Liverpool – The Insider says: 3/5
One of the reasons Hangeland ignored interest from bigger clubs and stayed at Fulham last season was his relationship with Roy Hodgson, the man who gave him a chance in the Premier League by signing him from FC Copenhagen.

However, Hodgson's move to Liverpool has opened the door for Hangeland to follow him to Anfield, and the big Norway international is expected to be one of the manager's first transfer targets.

Hangeland committed his future to Fulham until 2013 by signing a new three-and-a-half year contract in November, but an offer of £10million should set the ball rolling as Hodgson looks to overhaul Liverpool's under-achieving squad.   

Per Mertesacker
Werder Bremen to Arsenal – The Insider says: 3/5
Arsene Wenger, who was at the front of the queue for Hangeland last summer, is weighing up a move for Mertesacker as he fills the gaps at the heart of Arsenal's defence.

With Sol Campbell set to follow Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas out of the Emirates, Wenger is in the market for another centre-back and 6ft 6in Mertesacker would appear to fit the bill following his impressive performances for Germany at the World Cup.

Wenger's chief scout Steve Rowley watched the 25-year-old on several occasions last season and there is definitely interest from Arsenal.

But they could face competition from around Europe if Werder Bremen spark a £10m transfer scramble by agreeing to let their player go.     

James Milner
Aston Villa to Man City – The Insider says: 4/5
Milner has gone on holiday following England's failed World Cup campaign without giving any indications over his future, but it is becoming increasingly clear that the midfielder will push for a move to City on his return.

City are keeping their distance after making an opening offer of £20m for the former Newcastle and Leeds player, wary of upsetting Villa in the way they did Everton and Chelsea over their pursuit of John Terry and Joleon Lescott last summer.

But, like Lescott, they expect Milner to end the impasse by telling Villa he feels he has a better chance of fulfilling his ambitions at Eastlands.     

Luis Fabiano
Sevilla to Man United – The Insider says: 1/5
Fabiano and Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido appear to be having their own private argument over the Brazil striker's public appeal for a move to Old Trafford, but the truth is that United's interest in him has passed.

Sir Alex Ferguson was tracking Fabiano two years ago and had him watched on several occasions, but with the financial climate drastically altered and young Mexico striker Javier Hernandez safely on board alongside Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf, the United boss is unlikely to consider a player who turns 30 in a few months' time.

Fabiano, who is refusing to extend a contract that runs out next summer, may have scored three goals for Brazil at the World Cup but any transfer would be further complicated because he is part owned by several parties.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1291212/THE-INSIDER-Roy-Hodgson-wants-Brede-Hangeland-Liverpool-Arsenal-line-Per-Mertesacker.html?#ixzz0sVUMJ6fk

[WhiteJC]

http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/8250753.Former_Watford_boss_takes_over_at_Fulham/?ref=rss
Former Watford boss Ray Lewington takes over at Fulham

Former Watford boss Ray Lewington has been put in temporary charge of Europa League finalists Fulham after Roy Hodgson joined Liverpool.

Lewington, who was Watford boss between 2002 and 2005, was made Fulham's interim manager after Hodgson resigned to join the Merseyside club.

Lewington, who was part of Hodgson's backroom staff, made more than 250 appearances for Fulham during his playing career and managed the club between 1986 and 1990.

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8781284.stm?
Jonathan Greening move confirmed by Fulham

Fulham have confirmed the signing of midfielder Jonathan Greening from West Bromwich Albion on a two-year contract.
Greening, 31, spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage after Fulham had failed with two previous bids to sign him on a permanent basis.

He was loaned to the London club after handing in a transfer request.

Greening had a year remaining on his contract at The Hawthorns, but chose not to return there despite Albion's promotion back to the Premier League.

The former Manchester United and Middlesbrough player made 23 league appearances for Fulham last season and featured in the Europa League final against Athletico Madrid.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2010/07/01/2004904/agent-admits-clint-dempsey-could-leave-fulham?
Agent Admits Clint Dempsey Could Leave Fulham
The American World Cup star could be on his way out of Craven Cottage.....

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey could leave Craven Cottage this summer, according to his agent.

The USA international midfielder had an excellent 2009-10 campaign with Premier League outfit Fulham, helping the Cottagers reach the Europa League final. He also led the US to the last-16 in the ongoing World Cup finals in South Africa.

Dempsey's agent, Lyle Yorks, has now hinted that the 27-year-old could be tempted to try his luck at a bigger club.

"We don't have an offer from Napoli," Yorks told the Major League Soccer website. "There is a lot of interest from big clubs in Europe in Clint. And now you've got Roy Hodgson leaving for Liverpool... so there's a lot of different things going on."

Yorks also revealed that there was interest from outside of England.

"We've got in Italy a major club and in France a major club. And in the Bundesliga a club. We'll be sorting through them in the coming weeks and also seeing what happens at Fulham.

"There's direct contact and discussions, but first they'd have to agree with Fulham."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1291279/David-James-stay-Portsmouth-New-boss-Steve-Cotterill-confident-keeping-England-No-1-Fratton-Park.html?
David James will stay at Portsmouth! New boss Steve Cotterill confident of keeping England No 1 at Fratton Park

New Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill is confident of persuading David James to stay at Fratton Park following talks with the England goalkeeper.

James, 40 next month, has been asked to take a pay cut to sign a new one-year deal with the relegated club but has been linked with moves to Fulham and West Ham.

Cotterill said: 'From the tone of the conversation all is not dead as regards  him staying at Portsmouth. He needs to go away and weigh up his options.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1291279/David-James-stay-Portsmouth-New-boss-Steve-Cotterill-confident-keeping-England-No-1-Fratton-Park.html?#ixzz0sVWQdYQx

[WhiteJC]

http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Fulhams-Kamara-desperate-for-permanent-Celtic-move/8637/?
Fulham's Kamara desperate for permanent Celtic move

Diomansy Kamara is set to leave Fulham.  He wants to make his loan move to Celtic permanent and if not, will look to move to France.

The 29-year-old striker made his name in England at West Brom.  He scored twenty goals in the 2006/7 season for the Baggies in the Championship where he was named in the division's team of the year.  This prompted Fulham to sign him for £6million in summer 2007, but Kamara has never really recaptured his form at Craven Cottage.

Therefore he was loaned to Celtic in February of this year.  He scored twice during the remainder of the season, but Kamara's future is now unclear with his Fulham contract up for renewal.

Talking to French daily L'Equipe, Kamara made it clear that he would like to stay at Celtic permanently.

He said, "My priority is to stay at Celtic.  I know the coach, there is a preliminary round of the Champions League to play and the atmosphere in the stadium is incredible."

New Celtic coach Neil Lennon is looking to bring in new faces to strengthen a side which endured a desperately disappointing season under Tony Mowbray.  Lennon is reportedly trying to sign the likes of Robbie Keane and Sol Campbell and it is unclear whether he would take up an estimated £2.5million option to sign Kamara.

However, if the Senegal international does not secure a move to Glasgow, he still appears content to leave Fulham and would happily ply his trade in France, the country of his birth.

He told L'Equipe, "I always said it was a dream for me one day to wear the jersey of PSG (Paris St Germain).

"I've never played in the French league, Paris is my dream, but other clubs in Ligue 1 I'm interested in are Bordeaux and Monaco."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/PlayerContractRound-Up.aspx
Player Contract Round-Up

With the summer transfer window now open the Club can confirm the following player activity to date:

Players In
Philippe Senderos (30/06/2013)

Players Out
Christopher Buchtmann – FC Cologne
Stefan Payne – Gillingham
Chris Smalling – Manchester United

Scholar to Professional:
Jonathan Cosgrove (30/06/2012)
Richard Peniket (30/06/2013)
Jesse Joronen (30/06/2012)

Contract Extensions:
Jonathan Greening – loan to permanent (30/06/2012)

Players Released (Out of Contract)
Andranik
Wayne Brown
Wesley Foderingham
Toni Kallio
Luca Moscatiello
Michael Uwezu
Erik Nevland
King Osei-Gyan
Dan Owusu
Loans Returned
Stefano Okaka
Nicky Shorey


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/PlayerContractRound-Up.aspx#ixzz0sVXLF5hn

[WhiteJC]

Winger Hameur Bouazza wants to quit Premier League new boys Blackpool for a move to Paris St Germain.
(Daily Star)

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6241545,00.html?
Zamora joy at Fabio faith
Striker is determined to prove critics wrong

Bobby Zamora is determined to live up to expectations after Fabio Capello labelled him a future England star.

The Italian's statement, which followed the Three Lions shocking exit from the World Cup, has brought about renewed criticism of his abilities as head coach.

Zamora, though, is boosted by such comments which he says incentivize him to step up his game.

"People can read into that what they want, I just let that sort of reaction wash over me," he told The Sun.

"It is flattering to hear the England manager single me out.

"It's nice to be linked with that and it's a big target for me once I'm 100 per cent fit again."

Modest

Zamora believes that too much can be read into speculation over who is set to be called up to the England squad.

He admitted, though, that hearing it straight from the horses' mouth was incredibly encouraging.

"I'm the sort of player who wouldn't even give a thought to being in the squad until I actually got a phone call from Fabio Capello," he said.

"But the other day the words were straight out of his mouth, so that was good."

He added: "There's always speculation about who might be in the squads but I'd rather hear it from the manager himself.

"Joe Bloggs might be laughing about the thought of me in the next World Cup but listen, that's four years away, and there's another big tournament before that."

As for his future at club level, Zamora dismissed suggestions he might follow Roy Hodgson from Fulham to Liverpool.
"I've got two years on my contract and my concern now is to get back to full fitness and help the club stay in the top division again."